Obama seeks volunteer help on 'fiscal cliff'

Nov. 21, 2012
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President Obama / Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

Seeking to keep their campaign organization together, President Obama and aides are asking volunteers for lobbying help with plans to avoid the "fiscal cliff."

In an e-mail, Obama's campaign urged backers in the recent election to spread the word about Obama's debt reduction plan, which includes higher taxes on the wealthy as well as budget cuts.

"With your help we'll continue to move this country forward," the e-mail says. "Please forward this e-mail and spread the word on Facebook and Twitter."

The White House and congressional Republicans and Democrats are negotiating to try to avoid a series of automatic tax hikes and budget cuts that will kick in next year without a new budget agreement.

The e-mail is financed by the Obama Victory Fund 2012 and the Democratic National Committee, as well as the Democratic parties in four battleground states: Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

From the e-mail text:

"Right now, President Obama is working with leaders of both parties in Washington to reduce the deficit in a balanced way so we can lay the foundation for long-term middle-class job growth and prevent your taxes from going up.

"Your voice and action helped re-elect President Obama, and hundreds of thousands of you have already responded to our survey, which will help shape our next steps. Thanks to your feedback, we're taking immediate action on one of your suggestions: keeping you informed about how the President is fighting for you so you can continue to talk to your friends, family, and neighbors ...

"That's the President's plan, but he's not wedded to every detail. He is determined to work with Congress to find compromise and common ground. His guiding principle throughout this debate will be what's best for the middle class. He'll be fighting for you.

"These problems are challenging, but they're solvable. In fact, the Senate has already passed a bill to keep your taxes low. The House needs to pass it, and Congress should get it to the President as soon as possible.

"There's a lot at stake. With your help we'll continue to move this country forward.

"Please forward this email and spread the word on Facebook and Twitter: